OTD 1954: Khalid Hasan makes his only Test appearance aged 16

Khalid Hasan was like a shooting star. He arrived on the international stage at a young age, left his mark and never came back. Hasan etched his name into Pakistan cricket folklore when he made his international debut at the age of 16, which was also the only time he represented his nation on the international stage.

Born in Peshawar in 1937, Hasan was an up-and-coming spinner coming through the ranks. At the tender age of 16, he was selected in the Pakistan squad which was set to tour England in 1954. After playing a few First-Class matches against county teams, the Pakistanis decided to give the teenager his maiden cap during the second Test match played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on July 1. Hasan thus became the youngest player from his nationality to make his Test debut at the age of 16 years 352 days.

Pakistan got just one opportunity to bowl during the entire Test match, with England registering an innings and 129-run win. Hasan went on to bowl 21 overs and conceded 116 runs at an economy rate of 5.52, which is considerably high even based on today’s standards. However, the two wickets he took were extremely important ones.

Hasan’s maiden Test wicket was England opener Reg Simpson, who was batting on 101. The young spinner’s second wicket was even more special. Legendary batter Denis Compton was batting on 278 when Hasan knocked his stumps off. The 16-year-old ended the innings with figures of 2 for 116.

The teenager, however, did not have much of an impact with the bat, scoring just 17 runs across two innings in his debut outing on the international stage.

Following the conclusion of the Test match, Hasan would go on to play a further five First-Class matches on the English shores.

In a strange turn of events, the game at Trent Bridge happened to be Hasan’s first and last appearance for Pakistan. In his professional career, the legbreak bowler played 17 First-Class matches, taking a total of 28 wickets at an average of 38.25, with 3 for 27 being his career-best figures, coming against Middlesex at Lord’s. He formed part of the Pakistanis side against England XI at Hastings in September 1954, which was the last time we would play a professional match.

Hasan died on December 3, 2013, in Lahore at the age of 76.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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